Description

These Taco Ranch Bites are a delightful appetizer featuring seasoned ground beef cooked with taco and ranch spices, served in mini tortilla scoop chips and topped with melted cheese, fresh tomatoes, and cilantro. Baked to perfection and served with classic dips like sour cream, guacamole, and salsa, they make a flavorful and fun finger food perfect for parties or casual snacks.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
2 tbsp taco seasoning
1 tbsp ranch seasoning (or ranch dressing mix)
1/4 cup water
24 mini tortilla scoop chips (e.g. Tostitos Scoops)
1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
1 small tomato, diced
2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro

For Serving

Sour cream
Guacamole
Salsa

Instructions

Cook the Beef: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully browned and no longer pink inside. Drain off any excess fat to keep the bites from being greasy.
Season: Add the taco seasoning, ranch seasoning, and water to the skillet with the cooked beef. Stir well to evenly coat the meat in the seasonings. Allow the mixture to simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens slightly, which helps intensify the flavors.
Assemble the Bites: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). On a baking tray, arrange the tortilla scoop chips in a single layer to serve as little bowls. Spoon the seasoned ground beef mixture into each chip, filling generously. Top each with diced tomato and a handful of shredded cheese.
Bake: Place the baking tray in the preheated oven and bake for 5 to 7 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. This step melds all the flavors together and warms the bites through perfectly.
Finish and Serve: Remove the tray from the oven and sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over the taco bites for a fresh, vibrant finish. Serve the bites warm alongside sour cream, guacamole, and salsa for dipping to add creamy, tangy, and spicy contrasts to each bite.

Notes

For extra heat, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños to the beef while cooking.
Use the Mexican blend cheese for a sharper taste or cheddar for a milder flavor depending on your preference.
These bites are best served fresh but can be warmed up in the oven again before serving if made ahead.
Feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter protein option.
Adding chopped onions or bell peppers to the beef during cooking can add extra texture and flavor.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Mexican-inspired

Keywords: Taco Ranch Bites, appeteizer, ground beef, taco seasoning, ranch seasoning, mini tortilla chips, party snack, easy appetizer, Mexican flavor